iCLA recently welcomed a group of kindergartners and their teachers from Kodemari Kodomoen Kindergarten for a fun-filled, engaging cultural exchange! The event was organized with iCLA’s Language Acquisition Center.
The visit provided a meaningful opportunity for young children to meet international students and learn about cultures of the world. iCLA students were also able to develop their skills in cross cultural communication and inspire young children to be interested in global diversity.
Five iCLA students welcomed the children. The iCLA students were from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, the USA, and Sri Lanka. The children were full of curiosity and excitement as iCLA students greeted them.
Speaking in Japanese, iCLA students delivered short presentations introducing their home country’s unique culture. The presentations covered a variety of topics such as traditional foods, national landmarks, animals, clothing, and festivals which captured the children’s curiosity and imagination. The young visitors listened attentively as they learned that India’s national bird is the peacock, Sri Lanka is famous for its valuable and colorful gemstones, and Colorado, in the United States is known for its spicy green chili and cowboys. Following each presentation, the children eagerly asked questions such as how to say greetings in Bengali, if Sri Lankan or African elephants were stronger, and which movies the students like best.
Through the visit, the kindergartners broadened their understanding of the wider world and developed an early appreciation for cultural diversity. iCLA students gained valuable experience sharing their culture in Japanese with young learners. The event concluded with laughter, high-fives, and smiles all around, as the children expressed excitement about someday visiting other countries themselves.